CHRISTINE BROWNE
KF ASSOC. ITEC  CIMI
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What a boring sounding heading!! An immediate switch-off for most, I am sure. But two recent events lead me to believe that something needs to be said on this very important topic:  the village appraisal coupled with a special service held in Bawdeswell Church on Sat. 8th February on the theme of “Finance, Faith and the Future”. The latter involved the 23  parishes of the Sparham Deanery plus the Elmham Group sending representatives to hear how the problems of the Norwich Diocesan Finance deficit of £1million last year can be dealt with, and our part in helping.  During the service seven papers were read, explaining how the situation had arisen and what was needed to put matters right.  Obviously, there is too little space available to do the subject justice in this one issue of the magazine so, if you will bear with me, I propose to run a mini series over the next few issues to explain the matter.
Essentially there is no pot of gold in London (or anywhere else) from which money cascades down to the parishes. WE in the parishes have to find, not only the Rector’s stipend (salary), but also the pensions of retired clergy, costs of training, housing as well as keeping our buildings up. A Financial Strategy Working Party Report was produced last summer. It provides a careful analysis of Diocesan finance and recommendations for the way forward.  Not all villages have done an appraisal, but based on responses so far, nearly 30% say the church is important for Sunday worship and 35% for weddings and funerals. Over 45% think the building is the focal point of the village and 83% is an important historic building. So, the viability of the churches in our communities would seem a matter of some importance. But it can’t be achieved by a handful of aging parishioners alone.  Next month I will cover that part of the report dealing with “How did we get here?” and  “What do we need?”
 
John Harvey (Deanery Assessor)